Currently, the female condom is the only female initiated method providing protection from HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
But NAPWA’s National Network of Women Living with HIV is concerned about its ongoing lack of availability in Australia.
At the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City in 2008, Oxfam and the World Population Foundation launched a major paper calling for wider access to female condoms around the world, both as a tool for HIV prevention, and also to support more women to have a greater sense of power when negotiating safer sex.
Chair of the Network, Katherine Leane, believes there are a range of issues preventing female condoms being utilised by women living in Australia.
‘Many women still don’t know they exist,’ she says.
‘They have had some bad press that has influenced their acceptability. Relevant health programs have failed to recognise, fund or promote them. Plus, there is a large cost disparity between them and the male condom,’ says Ms Leane.
The Network wants the female condom to be made both affordable and available throughout the country. To make this happen, they are collaborating with a range of partners in the lead-up to World AIDS Day.
The Network is active in a number of other areas. They particularly acknowledge the effect stigma and discrimination have on the health of many women living with HIV and advocate for equality, human rights and dignity for all. To this end, they are engaged with the research NAPWA is currently undertaking in the area.
Read more about the female condom
or check out the women’s webpage
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